Curriculum: Animal and Human Biology, and Ecology

Supervisor: Maria Cristina Follesa

Co-Supervisor: Mauro Sinopoli

Curriculum Vitae

Manfredi graduated from the University of Palermo in 2019 with a degree in Natural Sciences. He completed his internship at the Marine Protected Area of the Egadi Islands, where he conducted a study on the populations of Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula on the island of Favignana. In 2021, he obtained a Master’s degree in Marine Biology from the University of Palermo.

He carried out an internship at the Immunobiology Laboratory for Aquaculture at the University of Murcia, where he focused on sustainable diets in aquaculture by evaluating the immune status of treated species. This work led to the publication of the article “Dietary Inclusion of Halobacterium salinarum Modulates Growth Performances and Immune Responses in Farmed Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata L.)” in the journal Animals.

After graduating, he completed an internship at the Marine Biology Laboratory of the University of Palermo, based in Trapani.

Following this experience, he worked abroad as a research assistant at Sharklab Malta, where he investigated the impact of fishing on elasmobranch populations. He later joined the Fisheries Research Unit of the Government of Malta, conducting research on fish stocks.

In January 2023, he began a research fellowship at the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station, where he worked on a project related to sustainable fishing using bycatch reduction devices.

He is currently a PhD Student in the Doctoral Program in Life, Environmental, and Pharmaceutical Sciences under the supervision of Professor Maria Cristina Follesa. His doctoral project focuses on the impact of fishing on the growth and trophic levels of demersal elasmobranchs in the Mediterranean.

Research Topic

Impact of fishing on the growth and trophic levels of demersal elasmobranchs in the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

Manfredi Madia's research project aims to explore the feeding ecology, trophic levels, and growth of demersal Elasmobranchs in the Mediterranean basin. This research is critical given the vulnerability of sharks and rays, apex predators influencing marine food webs, to declines caused by overfishing. Understanding their feeding habits, trophic position, and reproductive cycles is essential for effective conservation strategies and sustainable fisheries management.

The methodology includes species selection based on sample accessibility, ecological role, and IUCN protection status. Sampling will occur through established fishing surveys (e.g., MEDITS) and traditional methods. Various tissues will be extracted for in-depth analysis: stomach contents will be examined for feeding preferences; muscle portions for stable isotopes of nitrogen and carbon, used to reconstruct trophic position; vertebrae for age determination; and sexual maturity will be identified macroscopically and microscopically.

Expected results aim for a detailed understanding of inter-species interactions and resource availability. Trophic level analysis will assess fishing impact on ecosystem structure and function. The research will identify trophic niches, outlining ecological relationships and coexistence among species, contributing to vital aspects of endangered or lesser-known species. This work will provide valuable information for the safeguard and sustainable management of these animals.

Publications

IRIS: https://iris.unica.it/cris/rp/rp107630

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6201-9741

Conference Contributions

> 2023
Li Vorsi A., Bottaro M., Amico M.R., Madia M., Díaz-Delgado E., Gristina M., Minoia L., Di Lauro I., Sinopoli M. Mediterranean MPAs: threat, or opportunity for elasmobranch conservation? Preliminary results on a vulnerable species for the Egadi Islands. XXVII Congresso della Associazione Italiana di Oceanologia e Limnologia, 26-30th June 2023, Naples, Italy.

Amico M.R., Sinopoli M., Li Vorsi A., Bizzarri S., Madia M., Di Lauro I., Arpaia M., Gristina M., Livreri Console S., Rinaudo I., Bonanomi S., Riginella E., Sperone E., Bottaro M. The Marine Protected Area of Egadi.